Average age of Switch owners skew higher than for the 3DS, which is why they continue to support it

This chart provided by Nintendo shows that the majority of Switch owners are between the ages of 19-34, an average that skews much higher than that of the 3DS, which has a more even to younger distribution.

There's no doubt that the 3DS still has legs to stand on, and is clearly the budget option for people looking for a more in-depth gaming experience than their phone can provide, but not so much as to wanting (or even affording) a home console.
I like everyone else hope this doesn't detract much development away from the Switch, but judging up to now that doesn't seem to be too much of an issue. Who knows how long the 3DS will continue to be supported for, or if it will be dropped entirely at some point. It's too early to tell what their intentions are for the system in the long run.

Also want to call shenanigans on that male/female ratio that seems absurd to me

Click to expand...

I agree, it seems off, ESPECIALLY for Nintendo.

Nintendo is by far the most appealing to girls imo. My girlfriend only plays Nintendo. I'm sure it's also a higher ratio for the 3DS.

Then again, it might even out over the long run. While I'm sure there are a lot of girl Nintendo fans, I don't know if there are that many enthusiast girl Nintendo fans who will run out to buy a Switch at launch.

Also want to call shenanigans on that male/female ratio that seems absurd to me

Click to expand...

I agree, it seems off, ESPECIALLY for Nintendo.

Nintendo is by far the most appealing to girls imo. My girlfriend only plays Nintendo. I'm sure it's also a higher ratio for the 3DS.

Then again, it might even out over the long run. While I'm sure there are a lot of girl Nintendo fans, I don't know if there are that many enthusiast girl Nintendo fans who will run out to buy a Switch at launch.

Click to expand...

Free to play games on pc has the most female gamers. Think Maplestory, League of Legends, etc.

Yes, I think when a parent looks at the Switch, no matter how Nintendo markets it, they see a $300 video game system that their child can carry around and accidentally drop and break or lose. If they have 2 or more children, they may think that each child would need one when each wants to take it for separate travels (friends house, park, etc.).

In these cases, it is a very expensive proposition that parents have to weigh. Especially considering that you a parent can buy 3 2DS with Mario Kart 7 in the box for less than 1 Switch or 2 New 2DS XLs.

I suspect the New 2DS XL is a stop gap until they release a Switch Mini. I know some people think an XL is next, but I don't see how that fills a gap in the market. It would be more expensive than a standard Switch and wouldn't really add anything. Not that it would never happen, but it's not their immediate need.

A Switch Mini theoretically should be smaller, so easier to pocket and carry around. Could have a better battery life, but depends on a lot of variables, but I think Nintendo knows the portable crowd needs better battery life than the current Switch. And lastly, cheaper, and if it releases between late 2018 and late 2019, should be easily $199 or less. That's been a good price for portable gaming and could then push more 3DS Family owners to jump on to Switch.

Also want to call shenanigans on that male/female ratio that seems absurd to me

Click to expand...

I agree, it seems off, ESPECIALLY for Nintendo.

Nintendo is by far the most appealing to girls imo. My girlfriend only plays Nintendo. I'm sure it's also a higher ratio for the 3DS.

Then again, it might even out over the long run. While I'm sure there are a lot of girl Nintendo fans, I don't know if there are that many enthusiast girl Nintendo fans who will run out to buy a Switch at launch.

Click to expand...

Free to play games on pc has the most female gamers. Think Maplestory, League of Legends, etc.

Click to expand...

Yes for sure, although I was only referring to consoles. Many, many girls game on smartphones/tablets too.

This chart provided by Nintendo shows that the majority of Switch owners are between the ages of 19-34, an average that skews much higher than that of the 3DS, which has a more even to younger distribution.

There's no doubt that the 3DS still has legs to stand on, and is clearly the budget option for people looking for a more in-depth gaming experience than their phone can provide, but not so much as to wanting (or even affording) a home console.
I like everyone else hope this doesn't detract much development away from the Switch, but judging up to now that doesn't seem to be too much of an issue. Who knows how long the 3DS will continue to be supported for, or if it will be dropped entirely at some point. It's too early to tell what their intentions are for the system in the long run.

Click to expand...

thats pretty much who BUYS them.... most are bought by adults for their kids. actual gamer ages are probably 12

This chart provided by Nintendo shows that the majority of Switch owners are between the ages of 19-34, an average that skews much higher than that of the 3DS, which has a more even to younger distribution.

Click to expand...

Can you please post your info about 3ds age distribution that you are using?

This chart provided by Nintendo shows that the majority of Switch owners are between the ages of 19-34, an average that skews much higher than that of the 3DS, which has a more even to younger distribution.

Click to expand...

Can you please post your info about 3ds age distribution that you are using?

Click to expand...

This is the only 3DS demographics graph from Nintendo I could find and it is for Japan but it cant be too different for the US:

This chart provided by Nintendo shows that the majority of Switch owners are between the ages of 19-34, an average that skews much higher than that of the 3DS, which has a more even to younger distribution.

Click to expand...

Can you please post your info about 3ds age distribution that you are using?

Click to expand...

This is the only 3DS demographics graph from Nintendo I could find and it is for Japan but it cant be too different for the US:

Click to expand...

That's concerning one game though, a game in which largely entices the female demographic in a high proportion might I add.

I think you guys are reading into the recent demographic breakdowns a bit too much. Despite popular belief, handhelds have never been exclusively designated for the kids demographic (hell the OGGB was targeted towards adults as a "time waster" device), and 19-24 year olds represent the college-aged demographic who have historically always been apart of the traditional handheld demographic (disposable income, socialization in school setting).

I really wouldn't point to this as evidence that the 3DS will last much longer aside the Switch, because from look of it the handheld audience is already transitioning as expected.

It really doesn't surprise me considering every launch event or anytime I'm picking up a game it's mostly that age range around me. I think some of it is that the device just looks great and for homes with children it's a great way for the adult to get that console quality experience. The looks make it feel more modern, high tech, and not like a child.

Can you please post your info about 3ds age distribution that you are using?

Click to expand...

This is the only 3DS demographics graph from Nintendo I could find and it is for Japan but it cant be too different for the US:

Click to expand...

That's concerning one game though, a game in which largely entices the female demographic in a high proportion might I add.

I think you guys are reading into the recent demographic breakdowns a bit too much. Despite popular belief, handhelds have never been exclusively designated for the kids demographic (hell the OGGB was targeted towards adults as a "time waster" device), and 19-24 year olds represent the college-aged demographic who have historically always been apart of the traditional handheld demographic (disposable income, socialization in school setting).

I really wouldn't point to this as evidence that the 3DS will last much longer aside the Switch, because from look of it the handheld audience is already transitioning as expected.

Click to expand...

No, the left graph is for overall 3DS and the right graph is for Animal Crossing players.

This is the only 3DS demographics graph from Nintendo I could find and it is for Japan but it cant be too different for the US:

Click to expand...

That's concerning one game though, a game in which largely entices the female demographic in a high proportion might I add.

I think you guys are reading into the recent demographic breakdowns a bit too much. Despite popular belief, handhelds have never been exclusively designated for the kids demographic (hell the OGGB was targeted towards adults as a "time waster" device), and 19-24 year olds represent the college-aged demographic who have historically always been apart of the traditional handheld demographic (disposable income, socialization in school setting).

I really wouldn't point to this as evidence that the 3DS will last much longer aside the Switch, because from look of it the handheld audience is already transitioning as expected.

Click to expand...

No, the left graph is for overall 3DS and the right graph is for Animal Crossing players.

Click to expand...

Yea that’s a 2012 Japan only figure, so it doesn’t tell us much. That’s even before Pokémon games appeared on the 3ds

Nintendo had a similar age/gender graph talking about Pokémon games and at that time it shows the majority being 20+ years in age.

I don’t see the Switch being much different in age breakdowns.

I also don’t believe the argument that parents think the Switch is too expensive or fragile for their kids. I see kids gaming on iPads all the time.

That's concerning one game though, a game in which largely entices the female demographic in a high proportion might I add.

I think you guys are reading into the recent demographic breakdowns a bit too much. Despite popular belief, handhelds have never been exclusively designated for the kids demographic (hell the OGGB was targeted towards adults as a "time waster" device), and 19-24 year olds represent the college-aged demographic who have historically always been apart of the traditional handheld demographic (disposable income, socialization in school setting).

I really wouldn't point to this as evidence that the 3DS will last much longer aside the Switch, because from look of it the handheld audience is already transitioning as expected.

Click to expand...

No, the left graph is for overall 3DS and the right graph is for Animal Crossing players.

Click to expand...

Yea that’s a 2012 Japan only figure, so it doesn’t tell us much. That’s even before Pokémon games appeared on the 3ds

Nintendo had a similar age/gender graph talking about Pokémon games and at that time it shows the majority being 20+ years in age.

I don’t see the Switch being much different in age breakdowns.

I also don’t believe the argument that parents think the Switch is too expensive or fragile for their kids. I see kids gaming on iPads all the time.

Click to expand...

That 3ds Japan graph is 2 years after it got released and this Switch graph is less than 1 year after is released for the US. This is probably the fairest comparison we are going to get. And you cant compare the demographics of the lifetime 3DS sales and compare it with the first year's Switch demographics, it is an apples to oranges comparison. Also I dont see why you are arguing that parents dont think that the Swithc is too expensive or fragile for their kids considering Nintendo graph of the situation, it is clearly seen in those graphs that the vast majority of people interested in the Switch are over 18.

No, the left graph is for overall 3DS and the right graph is for Animal Crossing players.

Click to expand...

Yea that’s a 2012 Japan only figure, so it doesn’t tell us much. That’s even before Pokémon games appeared on the 3ds

Nintendo had a similar age/gender graph talking about Pokémon games and at that time it shows the majority being 20+ years in age.

I don’t see the Switch being much different in age breakdowns.

I also don’t believe the argument that parents think the Switch is too expensive or fragile for their kids. I see kids gaming on iPads all the time.

Click to expand...

That 3ds Japan graph is 2 years after it got released and this Switch graph is less than 1 year after is released for the US. This is probably the fairest comparison we are going to get. And you cant compare the demographics of the lifetime 3DS sales and compare it with the first year's Switch demographics, it is an apples to oranges comparison. Also I dont see why you are arguing that parents dont think that the Swithc is too expensive or fragile for their kids considering Nintendo graph of the situation, it is clearly seen in those graphs that the vast majority of people interested in the Switch are over 18.

Click to expand...

I’m saying the vast majority of people interested in Nintendo machines...even the 3ds and Switch....are over 18

Yea that’s a 2012 Japan only figure, so it doesn’t tell us much. That’s even before Pokémon games appeared on the 3ds

Nintendo had a similar age/gender graph talking about Pokémon games and at that time it shows the majority being 20+ years in age.

I don’t see the Switch being much different in age breakdowns.

I also don’t believe the argument that parents think the Switch is too expensive or fragile for their kids. I see kids gaming on iPads all the time.

Click to expand...

That 3ds Japan graph is 2 years after it got released and this Switch graph is less than 1 year after is released for the US. This is probably the fairest comparison we are going to get. And you cant compare the demographics of the lifetime 3DS sales and compare it with the first year's Switch demographics, it is an apples to oranges comparison. Also I dont see why you are arguing that parents dont think that the Swithc is too expensive or fragile for their kids considering Nintendo graph of the situation, it is clearly seen in those graphs that the vast majority of people interested in the Switch are over 18.

Click to expand...

I’m saying the vast majority of people interested in Nintendo machines...even the 3ds and Switch....are over 18

And that 3ds graph was made at the end of 2012

Click to expand...

How do you know that it is true for the 3DS? This is the only graph i have seen on the demographics of the 3DS and the DS demographics have the vast majority under 18.

I am also unsure that the 3DS graph was for the end of 2012, the left graph has no indication that it was only for that week.

That 3ds Japan graph is 2 years after it got released and this Switch graph is less than 1 year after is released for the US. This is probably the fairest comparison we are going to get. And you cant compare the demographics of the lifetime 3DS sales and compare it with the first year's Switch demographics, it is an apples to oranges comparison. Also I dont see why you are arguing that parents dont think that the Swithc is too expensive or fragile for their kids considering Nintendo graph of the situation, it is clearly seen in those graphs that the vast majority of people interested in the Switch are over 18.

Click to expand...

I’m saying the vast majority of people interested in Nintendo machines...even the 3ds and Switch....are over 18

And that 3ds graph was made at the end of 2012

Click to expand...

How do you know that it is true for the 3DS? This is the only graph i have seen on the demographics of the 3DS and the DS demographics have the vast majority under 18.

I am also unsure that the 3DS graph was for the end of 2012, the left graph has no indication that it was only for that week.

Click to expand...

I think the Switch is skewing fairly older than the 3DS, especially right now at the beginning of its lifespan. The 3DS probably skews the youngest out of any console right now. It's great for kids.

That 3ds Japan graph is 2 years after it got released and this Switch graph is less than 1 year after is released for the US. This is probably the fairest comparison we are going to get. And you cant compare the demographics of the lifetime 3DS sales and compare it with the first year's Switch demographics, it is an apples to oranges comparison. Also I dont see why you are arguing that parents dont think that the Swithc is too expensive or fragile for their kids considering Nintendo graph of the situation, it is clearly seen in those graphs that the vast majority of people interested in the Switch are over 18.

Click to expand...

I’m saying the vast majority of people interested in Nintendo machines...even the 3ds and Switch....are over 18

And that 3ds graph was made at the end of 2012

Click to expand...

How do you know that it is true for the 3DS? This is the only graph i have seen on the demographics of the 3DS and the DS demographics have the vast majority under 18.

I am also unsure that the 3DS graph was for the end of 2012, the left graph has no indication that it was only for that week.

And there were similar studies by Nintendo on the Pokémon 3ds games, and they showed the audience skewing older, the great majority of Pokémon gamers are 20 years and older. (Pokémon Go showed this as well, btw)

I mean, you have major 3ds games, Pokémon’s and animal crossing skewing older than younger...the chances are the platform overall skewed to an older audience.

I actually believe kids 12-18 play with xboxes and PlayStations more than Nintendo machines in the last 15 years.

I also believe that the majority of 12 and under gamers are more represented by phones and tablets than Nintendo machines.

I think the concept that Nintendo machines have a majority kiddy audience is a really outdated concept and in the last 20 years probably really only applied to the DS

That link is saying the average 3DS user with no indication that it is a specific time.

And there were similar studies by Nintendo on the Pokémon 3ds games, and they showed the audience skewing older, the great majority of Pokémon gamers are 20 years and older. (Pokémon Go showed this as well, btw)

Click to expand...

Have you got any links to that? I have a pokemon go graph, it shows the vast majority of users are under 24 but it it skeing higher as time goes by which the Switch demographics still has beat which shows the vast majority are over 24.

I mean, you have major 3ds games, Pokémon’s and animal crossing skewing older than younger...the chances are the platform overall skewed to an older audience.

I actually believe kids 12-18 play with xboxes and PlayStations more than Nintendo machines in the last 15 years.

I also believe that the majority of 12 and under gamers are more represented by phones and tablets than Nintendo machines.

I think the concept that Nintendo machines have a majority kiddy audience is a really outdated concept and in the last 20 years probably really only applied to the DS

That link is saying the average 3DS user with no indication that it is a specific time.

And there were similar studies by Nintendo on the Pokémon 3ds games, and they showed the audience skewing older, the great majority of Pokémon gamers are 20 years and older. (Pokémon Go showed this as well, btw)

Click to expand...

Have you got any links to that? I have a pokemon go graph, it shows the vast majority of users are under 24 but it it skeing higher as time goes by which the Switch demographics still has beat which shows the vast majority are over 24.

I mean, you have major 3ds games, Pokémon’s and animal crossing skewing older than younger...the chances are the platform overall skewed to an older audience.

I actually believe kids 12-18 play with xboxes and PlayStations more than Nintendo machines in the last 15 years.

I also believe that the majority of 12 and under gamers are more represented by phones and tablets than Nintendo machines.

I think the concept that Nintendo machines have a majority kiddy audience is a really outdated concept and in the last 20 years probably really only applied to the DS

Click to expand...

You have yet to show evidence of this.

Click to expand...

Pokemon probably has a sizeable older crowd because a lot of people have been playing it since their childhood. Those adults started playing on portables as kids, not because they suddenly found it appealing when they got older. Hell, even I bought Sun & Moon and played Go for nostalgia's sake. And I'm not even a big Pokemon fan...I just liked the games when I was in grade school.

I don't know if it's a majority or not, but overall I think the 3DS skews younger than any console out there. It has a lot of kid appeal, and Nintendo loves to target that crowd too because they know it's central to their sales: